ANDREW CADER SETS A HELI-SKIING WORLD RECORD IN THE TORDRILLO MOUNTAINS
June 19th donned a beautiful day this past summer. What could have begun as another great day of helicopter corn skiing became a worlde record pursuit and what we are calling the best day of corn skiing in the history of the sport. Andrew Cader and seasoned AK guns Jeremy Nobis and Greg Harms set and re-defined the world heli-free skiing world record. Along with CPG guides Lel Tone, Clark Fyans, Bill Dyer and Mike Overcast, the group set out to ski as many mountains as possible within a 24 hour period. Yes, we heli- skied for 24 hours straight and yes Andrew accomplished his 50th Birthday goal of skiing over 100 runs. In fact, he skied 101 runs.
The idea hatched a few years ago out at TML when we had finished a great day of skiing and fishing. It was later at night than we normally ski, and we were looking up at the mountains and wondered if you could ski around the clock. We had skied as late as 1am, but never between 2-4 am before the sun rises again. We determined that it could be done without artificial light if conditions were perfect.
Andrew had no hesitation to commit to the project that would take place the following summer. We made the plans for relief pilots and caches of fuel in strategic places. A solid plan with the guides was drawn out and we waited for the perfect weather during the solstice week. We pulled the trigger and the first session reaped 40 runs before a guide switch out. As we expected, the night shift went a little slower as visibility for pilots and skiers required a more conservative and prudent approach for landings and skiing.
The team rolled in for the final refuel. They looked haggard and beat. However, a couple of espressos and some grub refocused the team and they got back on the trail. We had 30 runs to accomplish in 4 hours. This would have to be the fastest pace yet. As the day warmed, the corn became perfect and we "Super G’d" run after run at 40 mph. It wasn’t until run 95 that we felt like we had it in the bag. Everything had come together to get to this point. The pilots did great, the weather cooperated, the conditions held up, and most importantly Andrews' fitness was at a level that he could accomplish the goal. Run 101 was skied with Andrews' son Amos and other family members. There were fists in the air! It was a great day!
What was accomplished has slowly set in. Skiing 24 hours out of a heli in natural conditions is amazing and stands alone. We skied 161,000 vertical feet in the window. The TML lodge now hosts Andrews' record and we are really proud that he gave it a go.
So there you have it. The record is set and defined. You won’t do it in Canada. You won’t do it in Valdez. You can only do it at TML in the Alaska Range. Let us know when you are ready!
Mike Overcast
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